Three accused of defrauding welfare system

Three women have been charged with defrauding the Department of Public Welfare following a joint investigation between the Pike County Detective Bureau and agents from the Office of Inspector General.

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Posted Aug. 13, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Posted Aug. 13, 2014 at 12:01 AM

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Three women have been charged with defrauding the Department of Public Welfare following a joint investigation between the Pike County Detective Bureau and agents from the Office of Inspector General.

While the investigation involved at least three individuals, they did not appear to be connected in any way and each acted individually, officials said.

The total amount alleged to have been obtained by fraud was $16,608.

Charged were:

Velvet W. Davis, 35, of Greentown, who was charged with one count of false statements in public assistance, a felony. Davis is charged with fraudulently obtaining $7,896 in cash assistance benefits and $5,737 in SNAP benefits.

If convicted, Davis will face up to seven years in prison, mandatory restitution and disqualification from receiving cash assistance benefits for six months, and SNAP benefits for 12 months.

Sara Joyce 39, of Lackawaxen, was charged with one count of false statements in public assistance, a misdemeanor. Joyce is charged with fraudulently obtaining $1,019 in SNAP benefits.

If convicted, Joyce will face up to two years in prison, mandatory restitution and disqualification from receiving SNAP benefits for 12 months.

Camara Chatham-Rodriguez, 37, of Bushkill, was charged with one count of false statements in public assistance, a misdemeanor. Rodriguez is charged with fraudulently obtaining $1,956 in SNAP benefits.

If convicted, Rodriguez will face up to five years in prison, mandatory restitution and disqualification from receiving SNAP benefits for 12 months.

Pike County District Attorney Tonkin urged anyone with information regarding possible welfare fraud to call the Office of Inspector General Welfare Fraud tip line at 1-800-932-0582.